Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher says his team is aware of the investigation involving Jameis Winston but that it is not affecting their preparation. / Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

by Nicole Auerbach, USA TODAY Sports

by Nicole Auerbach, USA TODAY Sports

Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said Sunday the ongoing sexual battery investigation involving star quarterback Jameis Winston hasn't affected the way the top-ranked Seminoles have practiced or prepared for games in recent weeks - though they are aware of the cloud that's hanging over their heads.

"It hasn't altered (preparation) in any way," Fisher said on Sunday's ACC teleconference. "Our team is not insulated from it. We deal with it. We address those issues. We control what we can control - how we prepare and how we play. That's how we go about it."

Officials in the State Attorney's office told multiple media outlets last week that they did not expect the investigation to be completed for at least two weeks. Winston is expected to quarterback Florida State against Duke in the ACC Championship game on Saturday in Charlotte, and he is considered a front-runner for the Heisman trophy, which is awarded Dec. 14. Heisman votes are due Dec. 9.

State Attorney William Meggs launched an investigation into an alleged sexual battery on Nov. 13 after several media outlets made public records requests to view the case file from the Tallahassee police. The investigation centers on an incident allegedly involving Winston that occurred on Dec. 7, 2012.

Winston has started every game for the Seminoles this season, including those since the start of Meggs' investigation. Winston's status with the team has not changed, though it could, pending the outcome of the investigation (if he is charged with a felony).

Florida State's student-athlete code of conduct prohibits participation in competition when he or she is charged with a felony "absent extraordinary circumstances as determined by the administration."

Winston, a redshirt freshman, led the Seminoles to a perfect 12-0 record during the regular season. Florida State rose to No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll on Sunday. With a win Saturday vs. Duke, Florida State would compete in the BCS national championship game at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 6, 2014.